Complimentary Story
March 2026“I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.” How many of us have sung this song without knowing the story behind it? I know I have, until I did some research and was astonished at the cost one man sacrificed as these words flowed from his lips.
It all started when missionaries from Wales went to India to share the gospel there, approximately 150 years ago, arriving at one particular village in Garo, Assam, consisting of many primitive and aggressive head-hunter tribes. They were not welcomed into the community, but were able to remain on the outer perimeter without danger. They were only there long enough to give witness to a young man named Nokseng, and he believed and converted to Christianity.
Nokseng, his wife, and two children started to share their newfound faith in Jesus Christ among his people. The Chief in charge of the tribe was very upset with Nokseng and made an open display of severe punishment towards him for bringing Jesus in as the One everyone should follow. Feeling his authority and supremacy threatened, he marched Nokseng and his family out in the midst of all the people and demanded that Nokseng recant and deny allegiance toward his newly found faith in Jesus Christ. To this, Nokseng answered the Chief, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.”
Outraged, the Chief ordered his archers to ready their bows and arrows. At his command, they let loose an arrow killing his wife. As she lay dying on the ground, the Chief turned to Nokseng and asked him, “now are you ready to deny Jesus as your God?” Nokseng, looking at the Chief, proclaimed once more, “I have decided to follow Jesus, the cross before me, the world behind me.” This angered the Chief even further into outrage and commanded the archers to strike both of his children dead with arrows. As they lay dying next to their mother, once more, the Chief demanded that he recant this Jesus Christ he spoke of as such a loving and forgiving God. But Nokseng had become strong in his faith. Although in grief and despair, he felt the presence of his Savior standing there with him, and spoke these final words before the Chief. “Though none go with me, still I will follow,” No turning back, no turning back!” These were his last and final words before they killed him as well.
Over the next few days, the Chief wrestled with the bravery and steadfastness that Nokseng and his family displayed and was very troubled, questioning what kind of God did Nokseng know that he would be willing to lay down his life for and follow? Nokseng had convinced others in the tribe and shared the gospel truths he learned with them, yet they remained silent in fear, until the Chief himself declared, “I, too, want to know more about this God, Jesus Christ, that Nokseng spoke of. I, too, want to be a follower of Christ.” And so the whole tribe of primitive and aggressive headhunters became followers of Jesus Christ, ending their lifestyle of savagery and set free from demonic influences to experience the joy of salvation and love.
So, next time you gather together and sing a worship song dedicated to Jesus, count the cost. Many people wanted to follow Jesus until they found out where He was going — yes, that cruel cross, despised by the world, rejected by man. It will cost you. The reward is “Out of this World” — and into the heavenly kingdom, no more pain, no more sorrow, life eternal, joy unspeakable, as the writer proclaimed in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
If you are new to the faith, not having committed to follow Jesus no matter where it may lead you, I challenge you to examine your present heart, and make sure your calling is sincere, because on that day when they stand before the throne of God, declaring to Him, as recorded in the book of Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name cast out devils? And in Thy name have done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you, depart Me, ye that are workers of iniquity.’”
Outward religious activity without a personal born-again relationship with Jesus Christ doesn’t constitute true salvation.
Have YOU decided to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back. Though none go with you, will you still follow?
